Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

IRS Faces Staffing Crisis Ahead of 2026 Tax Season

6/26/2025

50 5

Summary

Story summary

The IRS workforce shrank by 26% during the Trump administration, from 102,113 to 75,702 employees.
Staffing reductions in IT and taxpayer services may disrupt the 2026 tax filing season amid major tax law changes.
The IRS needs over 11,000 new hires to sustain service levels, but funding cuts threaten response rates.
Identity theft case resolutions are delayed, taking up to 20 months, impacting vulnerable taxpayers dependent on refunds.

1 of 1

Story summary

The IRS workforce shrank by 26% during the Trump administration, from 102,113 to 75,702 employees.
Staffing reductions in IT and taxpayer services may disrupt the 2026 tax filing season amid major tax law changes.
The IRS needs over 11,000 new hires to sustain service levels, but funding cuts threaten response rates.
Identity theft case resolutions are delayed, taking up to 20 months, impacting vulnerable taxpayers dependent on refunds.